Apparatus for the bedside storage of mobility devices

ABSTRACT

A system and method for storing mobility devices adjacent to a bed-frame. The apparatus comprising a planar surface, located between a mattress and a supporting structure, and at least one handle for receiving the mobility device. The apparatus&#39; planar surface, handles, and method of fastenings are all able to be customized based upon the desired features, including: size, weight, luminosity, ease of sterilization, and dimensions of the intended mobility device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/754,711 filed on Jan. 30, 2013, which is a Non-Provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/386,571 filed Mar. 2, 2011, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a device for securely and conveniently holding a mobility device conveniently and horizontally alongside a bed.

In 2000, the total direct cost of all fall injuries for people 65 and older exceeded $19 billion. The financial toll for older adults is expected to increase as the population ages, and may reach $54.9 billion by 2020. The average health care cost for people aged 72 and older, is $19,440, including hospital, nursing home, emergency room and home health care, but not doctors' services.

Falls occur in about one in three individuals age 65 or older every year. More than half of fall injuries occur at home. Elderly people are more likely to fall if they have medical problems that result in the need to get up from bed at night. Likewise, they are more likely to fall if they use a walking aid, such as a cane or walker. Elderly adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes. One in three who fall using a walker, and one in four who fall using a cane had to be hospitalized.

Falls can easily lead to withdrawal from social activities such as visiting friends and relatives, attending religious services, or taking trips. Mobility problems that may result from a fall can make it more difficult for an elderly person to continue to engage with others. Further, the majority of those who have a fall lose confidence in their ability to move around, and so they tend to isolate themselves. This can make the elderly prone to loneliness and depression, both of which can have a substantial negative impact on their health and quality of life.

For those who make use of a cane or other mobility device, there can be difficultly in locating the cane, particularly at night when in bed. Such a problem can cause the person to be susceptible to a fall when searching for the cane.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments described herein provide for an apparatus for the bedside storage of mobility devices, including but not limited to walking canes, white sticks, and artificial limbs.

The present invention provides a solution for meeting the safety needs and concerns of the mobility impaired, including wounded veterans, elderly or disabled individuals, hereafter patient, in a private, cared, or hospital environment. The present disclosure outlines a system and method for storage of an individuals' mobility device adjacent to a patients' bed.

The present disclosure operates by locating a portion of the apparatus, hereafter described as planar surface or perpendicular plate, between a bed's mattress and the structure supporting the mattress. In a home environment the supporting structure is typically a mattress frame or a box spring, whilst in a hospital or care environment, this is typically the hospital bed.

The apparatus functions by virtue of the downward force imparted by the mattress and the upwards force imparted by the supporting frame on the surface area of the planar surface. The application of at least one of these forces to the planar surface enables the apparatus to support a cantilevered-mobility device positioned on the end of the planar surface adjacent and parallel to the bed.

The planar surface's shape, when observed from above the apparatus, can be determined upon the desirability of a variety of functions and parameters, including cost, size, weight, etc. In one embodiment, the planar surface comprises four sub-plates, including two perpendicularly aligned and two parallel aligned subplates, and wherein the adjacent subplates are flexible coupled. In another embodiment, the planar surface comprises two subplates meeting at an angle beneath the bed, whereby the combination of the supporting medical device and the two subplates from an essentially triangular shape. The above shapes are intended as exemplary embodiments, and are not intended as a restriction on the present disclosure.

A further feature of the present disclosure is the ability of some embodiments to be collapsed from the unfolded position, wherein the apparatus presents its greatest surface area, to a folded position, wherein the apparatus' effective surface area is reduced to enable more convenient storage and transport. The collapsing of the apparatus will also increase the likelihood that the apparatus will be of a size suitable for autoclaving. Embodiments of the present disclosure accomplish the reduction in effective surface area through a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to: the ability of the device to fold upon itself through the use of living hinges; the convenient decoupling of the apparatus through the use of removable fastenings, etc.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus' composition is a resin with superior clarity, strength, and resilience. Furthermore, this resin can have a melting point of approximately 1850° F., and/or a melting point temperature that exceeds the sterilization temperatures of hospital grade autoclaving devices.

This embodiment's composition and its associated melting point are such that the apparatus may undergo autoclaving, which is a method typically used in hospitals and care facilities for the sterilization of medical devices.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition includes an additive compound to enhance visibility and color.

Another feature of the present disclosure is the use of u-shaped handles to clasp and support mobility devices. Furthermore, these u-shaped handles can be removably coupled, whereby the handles may be removed for storage or sterilization, and additional, swapped over when larger diameter, brighter, stronger, recently sterilized, and various other features are desired.

These and other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as additional novel features, will be apparent from the description provided herein. The intent of this summary is not to be a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter, but rather to provide a short overview of some of the subject matter's functionality. Other systems, methods, features and advantages here provided will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following FIGURES and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention will be set forth in any claims appended hereto or that are filed later. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 presents an exemplary apparatus of the present disclosure positioned between a mattress and a bed frame.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure embodiment, hereafter arrangement 1;

FIG. 3 shows a top elevation view of arrangement 1;

FIG. 4 shows a front elevation view of arrangement 1;

FIG. 5 shows a side elevation view of arrangement 1;

FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of arrangement 1;

FIG. 7 presents a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 presents a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 presents a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 presents a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 presents a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 presents an exemplary fastening embodiment of the u-shaped handles to the planar surface.

FIG. 13 presents an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the u-shaped handles additional comprise snap-on handle covers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designate the same components.

FIG. 1 presents the present disclosure, whereby an apparatus 100 for supporting a mobility device 50, not shown, is placed between a mattress 10 and a supporting structure 20. The combination of the upwards forced imparted by the supporting structure and the downwards force imparted by the mattress on the planar surface of the present disclosure enables the apparatus to support a cantilevered element 110. In the embodiment shown, the cantilevered element is a u-shaped handle 100, which provides a mechanism for supporting the mobility device 50.

When in use, the apparatus may be inserted between a mattress and box spring until the U-shaped holder abuts against the mattress or supporting frame. The holder is inserted with the upper surfaces adjacent to the mattress and the lower surfaces adjacent to the supporting frame. The mobility device can then be placed in the support members such that the handle of the cane, etc. is close to a person lying or sitting in bed. The apparatus can be placed between the mattress and the supporting frame in a position where a person in bed can conveniently and confidently access the cane when needed to leave the bed.

As described throughout this disclosure, wherein FIG. 1 presents the typical home environment of bed plus frame arrangement, the present disclosure may also be utilized in a variety of environments, including but not limited to hospital and care facility environments.

FIG. 2 through FIG. 6 present an exemplary embodiment 200 of the present disclosure from a range of perspectives. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 200 is generally planar in design, extending inwardly from the support members to the top or innermost end of the first and second perpendicular plates. These subplates are referred to as ‘perpendicular’ plates 210, and parallel plates 220.

For the purpose of describing the present embodiment, considering the edge of a mattress as extending along an XY axis, the plates are perpendicular to that axis. Furthermore, considering the XY axis of the edge of a mattress, a pair of horizontal, parallel plates 220 run ‘parallel’ to this axis.

In the present embodiment 200, each perpendicular plate has an outer edge, inner edge, upper surface, and lower surface. Further, the plates have at least one raised portion positioned on the upper surface towards the mattress edge portion of the plates. However, it is understood that such a configuration is non-limiting; that is, the one or more raised portions can be positioned, for example, on the lower surface of the plates toward the center of the plate or elsewhere as desired.

Each parallel plate 220 has an outer edge, inner edge, upper surface, and lower surface. When fastened to the perpendicular plates 210, the combination of the perpendicular plates 210 and the horizontal parallel plates 220 prevent the support members from shifting when the present embodiment 200 is placed between a mattress 10 and a supporting structure 20, thereby insuring that the mobility device 50 remains secure when stored on the holder.

A further feature of the present disclosure is an exemplary method by which the sub-plates, including parallel and perpendicular plates, can be fastened 1000 to form a rigid or partially rigid planar surface.

In this embodiment, the plates include a recess 1002 centrally located on the lower surface extending at least partially along the length of the horizontal parallel plates from both ends. Centered above the recess are one or more ports 1002. The ports are adapted to receive a securing member such as a nut and bolt 1000. The horizontal perpendicular plates further contain one or more ports 1002 for also receiving the securing member, thereby securing the perpendicular plates to the parallel plates. The port can have a recess for receiving at least a portion of the securing member (e.g., the nut), thereby providing a locking mechanism. The parallel plates have multiple ports spaced equidistant from one another from each end of the plates. This multitude of ports enables the spacing of the horizontal perpendicular plates to be varied from each other, thereby enabling the distance between the support members to be adjusted as needed based on the length of the cane.

FIG. 7 provides a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the sub-plates are arranged in a rectangular arrangement 300. In this embodiment, fastening of the perpendicular 310 and parallel 320 sub-plates is configured via mating a portion of the parallel plates to a portion of the perpendicular plates in a ‘snap-on’ securing configuration 1010. The subplates can additional comprise voids or space saves 306. This exemplary embodiment details a further method of fastening the u-shaped handles to the body of the device 1010, whereby the body provides protrusions and the u-shaped handle is provided with corresponding apertures.

Further, though the parallel plates in this embodiment are presented such that their lower surface are adjacent to the upper surfaces of the perpendicular plates when secured together, one skilled in the art would readily recognize that the opposite configuration is also possible, namely, the upper surfaces of the horizontal parallel plates can be adjacent to the lower surfaces of the horizontal perpendicular plates when secured together, with the recesses located on the upper surfaces of the horizontal parallel plates.

Because, in some embodiments, the parallel plates may be raised above (or alternatively, below) the perpendicular plates when secured together, slippage of the holder between the mattress and box spring is minimized. Still, the holder can be further modified to prevent slippage by, for example, adding a plurality of raised areas along the horizontal perpendicular plate, horizontal parallel plates, or both. These raised areas can be located on the upper surfaces, lower surfaces, or both.

FIG. 8 provides a further exemplary embodiment 400 of the present disclosure, wherein the planar surface comprises an n number of sub-plates, wherein each sub-plate is arranged parallel and is flexibly coupled 1040 to the adjacent sub-plates. In this embodiment, the flexible coupling is provided by means of a living hinge. This enables the folding 404 of the respective hinges, whereby the apparatus becomes narrower and taller, thereby enabling convenient storage and transport of the apparatus. The subplates can be arranged in a perpendicular 410 or parallel 420 orientation, with respect to the alignment of the mattress. Handles 450 are shown coupled in both arrangements.

FIG. 9 presents a further exemplary embodiment 500 of the present disclosure, wherein the sub-plates are arranged in a triangular arrangement, rather than the fore mentioned essentially rectangular arrangement. In this embodiment, the planar surface comprises two sub-plates, which are flexibly coupled along the perpendicular axis using a flexible hinge 1040. This arrangement enables the apparatus to be conveniently folded 504, whereby the one sub-plate is placed on top of the remaining sub-plate.

FIG. 10 presents a further exemplary embodiment 600 of the present disclosure, wherein the sub-plates are arranged in a triangular arrangement and the two principal members 610 extend inwards from the edge of the bed, and are flexible coupled using a removal pivot joint 1060. This arrangement can also include a horizontal bracing member 620, which is flexibly coupled to the principal members. The u-shaped handles 650 can be removably or fixed coupled to the principal members.

FIG. 11 presents a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the planar surface is formed by a single plate 700, rather and wherein the handles are permanent fixed to the plate 750. This exemplary embodiment is injection molded.

FIG. 12 presents an exemplary method of fastening the u-shaped handles 150 to the planar surface. In this arrangement at least one recess is located on the u-shaped handles 1080, to which the planar surface provides at least one corresponding protrusion. This arrangement enables the u-shaped handle to be snapped onto the planar surface, thereby enabling convenient interchanging of the handles. This enables the users or patients to easily modify the apparatus in response to the desired shape, diameter, stiffness, color, etc.

In an alternative embodiment of the fastening mechanism, the holder may comprise a substantially rectangular horizontal plate having a linear groove extending substantially along an outer edge of the plate. Support members separate from the planar surface having a C-shaped portion at the inner side of the U-shaped support member can then be snapped onto the horizontal plate in a locking fashion into the groove. In this manner, the U-shaped support members can then be slid along the groove, thereby spacing the members apart from each other based on the length of the cane.

The particular methods of fastening the sub-plates and the method of fastening of the u-shaped handle to the planar surface are not intended as an exclusive list, or exclusive such that a particular design must utilize a particular disclosed fastening method, i.e. the exemplary apparatus presented in FIG. 8 could utilize a nut and bolt fastening method as described in FIG. 1, or another coupling method as known in the art.

FIG. 13 presents a further feature of the present disclosure, wherein as the handles 150 can additional comprise snap-on covers 160, as an alternative to snap-on/off handles.

In another embodiment, the planar surface can be treated with a gripy anti-slip surface material.

In yet another embodiment, the planar surface can include cuts-outs to reduce the material requirements.

The apparatus, including the u-shaped holder and planar surface, can be designed from a variety of materials. Because the holder has potential for use in a hospital environment; in one embodiment, the apparatus is injection molded using a polymeric material suitable for use in a clean or sterile environment. The polymeric material should be sufficiently flexible to bend in use when the weight of a person on the mattress is applied to the planar surface, yet stiff enough to support the mobility device. Suitable polymers include polypropylene, polyamides, polycarbonate, polysulfone, styrenics and polyesters. Preferably, the polymeric material is at least a polycarbonate. Polycarbonates are known to have clarity, high strength and impact resistance, good heat resistance, low water absorption and biocompatibility, making them useful in medical devices. In another embodiment, the polymeric material is a combination or blend of various polymers, such as a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blend or a polycarbonate/polyester blend.

Because the present disclosure may be utilized by home consumers, additives can be added to the polymeric material to further differentiate the product. One such additive is color. Color technologies in this regard include chroma-shift, metallic, edge glow and glow-in-the-dark. In one embodiment, the apparatus' holders contain a light emitting additive, preferably a phosphorescent pigment. Other embodiments of the disclosed present disclosure include additives being added to at least one of the subplates, in addition to the handles, etc. By addition of a glow-in-the-dark pigment, an individual can more easily locate the cane at night. Further, phosphorescent pigment comes in a variety of colors, thereby allowing for greater product differentiation.

A further additive for inclusion in the polymeric material is a biocide or antimicrobial additive. Choice of biocide is dependent upon a variety of factors, such as cost of the biocide used, the type of polymeric material it is added to, and the environment that it will be exposed to. Various types of biocides useful in polymeric materials include, for example, silver-based biocides, organic-based biocides such as triclosan, and silane-based biocides. As the holder 1 has healthcare applications, the polymeric material preferably includes a biocide.

In some embodiments, the resin to be used is Polycarbonate. The color is provided by Techmer Polymer Modifiers (Techmer PM) and is identified as PCM6437. This colorant is specially formulated to match the selected polycarbonate resin base.

The present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teaching herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for supporting a mobility device adjacent to a bed frame, comprising: At least one perpendicular plate capable of being located between a mattress and said mattress' supporting structure, wherein the said at least one perpendicular plate comprises: at least one surface area in contact with a portion of the bottom side of said mattress; and at least one second surface in contact with a portion of the top side of said mattress' supporting structure, wherein said mattress applies force to said first surface area of said perpendicular plate and said mattress' supporting structure applies second force to said second surface area, whereby application of said forces to said surface areas of said perpendicular plate supports cantilevered elements, wherein said cantilevered element comprises: at least one support handle removably coupled to said at least one perpendicular plate, whereby said at least one support members are interchangeable to enable convenient management of holding features, said features including at least one of: stiffness; cleanliness; weight; color; luminosity; and diameter, wherein said at least one support handle is substantially u-shaped for receiving a portion of a mobility device, wherein said mobility device is one of: a walking stick, a white cane, artificial limb, wherein composition of apparatus comprises a thermoplastic resin and an antimicrobial agent
 2. The apparatus of claim one, wherein composition of said at least one perpendicular plate further comprises: a polycarbonate; and a color additive.
 3. The apparatus of claim one, wherein melting point of said composition of said at least one perpendicular plate exceeds the sterilization temperature used in hospital grade autoclave devices.
 4. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein removable coupling between said at least one perpendicular plate and said support member is one of: snap locks, or hook and loop connections.
 5. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein said perpendicular plate comprises: at least one perpendicular subplate, wherein said perpendicular plate comprises an n number of subplates, where subplate n₀ is flexibly coupled to subplate n₊₁, and wherein subplate n₊₂ is flexibly coupled to said subplate n₊₁, whereby said flexibly coupling permit the folding of said subplate n₀ relative to said subplate n+1; whereby folding of said subplates collapses apparatus for storage and transport.
 6. The apparatus in claim 5, wherein said flexible coupling is a living hinge.
 7. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein perpendicular plate comprises two sub-plates, wherein said two sub-plates are flexibly coupled along the perpendicular axis to enable to folding of the apparatus, and wherein the arrangement of the two sub-plates and a stored mobility device forms a triangular arrangement.
 8. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein apparatus additional comprises removably handle covers, flexible coupled to said support handle, wherein said removal handle covers are customizable with regards to: stiffness; weight; color; cleanliness; luminosity; and diameter. 